Last Updated on October, 2024
Are you the proud owner of a dog with a penchant for mischief? Or perhaps you’ve just welcomed a new furry friend into your home, and they’re still learning the ropes of good behavior.
If that’s the case, you’re well aware of the struggles of teaching your dog to be obedient. Don’t worry, you’re not alone in this struggle. Many dog owners have been there before and found a reliable ally in dog training collars.
In this guide, we’ll break down how to introduce dog training collars to your dog and how to teach basic commands. We’ll also give you the lowdown on using these training collars, some tips and advice, and common mistakes to avoid.
Get ready to unlock the secrets to smoother walks, positive behaviors, and a stronger bond with your dog. Let’s get started!
How to Use a Training Collar on a Dog in 3 Steps?
Set-Up: Read the manual, familiarize with the remote, and charge both collar and remote.
Fit the Collar: Ensure snug fit on dog’s neck, with electrodes touching the skin.
Training Introduction: Start with low stimulation, gradually increase to find attention level, and combine with commands and rewards.
Table of Contents
- How to Use a Training Collar for Your Dog?
- How to Teach Basic Commands With a Dog Training Collar?
- Does a Remote Training Collar it Hurt My Dog?
- Wrapping Up
- FAQs
How to Use a Training Collar for Your Dog?
Remote training collars also known as e-collars or shock collars are some of the more sophisticated dog training tools available in the market.
These electric dog training collars allow you to teach your dog new behaviors plus reinforce old ones without much effort, thanks to their ease of use.
With that, remote dog training collars are also not very expensive, you can get the best ones for less than $150, which is great. Now that’s out of the way, let’s now go over the steps to use a dog training collar.
Set-Up
Before you can begin your e-collar training, be sure to read the instruction manual that comes with the remote training collar. This is where you’ll find all the specifics about your particular training collar, as different brands and models can have unique features and settings.
Familiarize yourself with the handheld remote control. Understand the buttons and functions so you’re ready to give your dog clear signals.
These buttons include:
Ensure that your remote training collar and the remote control are charged. The last thing you want is a dead battery while you train your dog. Most electronic dog collars come with rechargeable batteries, so plug it in, let it juice up, and you’re good to go.
Finding the Perfect Fit
Next, attach the remote dog training collar to your dog’s neck. Ensure you fit the collar properly by ensuring it’s snug but not too tight– you should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck.
In addition, ensure that the electrodes are in direct contact with the contact points of your dog’s neck. You might want to trim some fur for longer-haired breeds so that your dog’s contact points touch the remote training collar.
Then, slide the receiver unit into your dog’s collar, and again, make sure it’s snug and secure. The receiver collar shouldn’t dangle or move around too much.
Introducing the Different Stimulations of the Dog Training Collar
Begin training by introducing the stimulation levels of the dog training collar in a quiet, distraction-free zone where your dog feels secure. Ensure that both the remote control and the electric collar on your dog are fully charged.
Follow these steps for a smooth start with your electronic collar:
You can even take it a step further by letting your dog wear the collar for short periods without using it for any behavior correction. This allows your dog to become more comfortable with it.
Setting the Collar to the Correct Stimulation Level for Your Dog
To do this, you must first identify your dog’s “recognition level,” or the correction level your dog reacts to.
Start At the Lowest Stimulation Level
Begin with the lowest stimulation level and observe if it has got your dog’s attention. Signs that your dog is reacting to it will include things such as looking around curiously, scratching at the electronic collar, or flicking ears.
Increase Gradually
If there’s no noticeable change, increase to the next stimulation level. Observe your dog’s reaction at each level.
Identify Your Dog’s Recognition Level
Take note of the level at which your dog responds to the stimulation. This is your dog’s recognition level or communication level during training.
Remember, if this becomes tricky for you to figure out by yourself, get the help of a professional dog trainer.
Stop Unwanted Behaviors
To establish the foundation of communicating with your dog with the e-collar, you must first teach your dog basic commands (more on that in a bit.)
Let’s look at how to stop undesirable behaviors in your dog in a few scenarios.
Jumping on People
Stopping unwanted behaviors like this in dogs requires strategically using a remote trainer to discourage the bad behavior. Follow these steps:
Digging Up Garden Beds
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to curb this unwanted behavior:
Chasing People and Cars
Dogs love to chase after stuff. To keep your dog safe during walks, here’s how to do it with your shock collar:
Excessive Barking
Addressing nuisance barking can be effectively managed using an e-collar. Follow these steps:
Worth reading: Why is My Dog Shock Collar Stopped Working?
How to Teach Basic Commands With a Dog Training Collar?
Now, you can’t put the electronic collar on your dog and magically expect it to understand how it works when you train them with it. In fact, this will cause your dog to become anxious and frightened.
This is why it is essential to teach basic obedience commands first, before moving on to full frontal training and correcting those unwanted behaviors. Let’s go over some of them.
Sit
Stay
Come
Heel
Remember that consistency is key here, so practice in various locations to allow your dog to roam off-leash. A remote collar is a training tool for positive punishment, so ensure you remain patient and don’t abuse it.
If you encounter any difficulties when you teach your dog with the remote collar, don’t hesitate to seek the advice of a professional trainer to help you out.
Does a Remote Training Collar it Hurt My Dog?
A common misconception about remote training collars is that they will hurt your dog. However, the stimulation from these shock collars is a static shock, similar to the zing you might get on a dry winter day.
It’s more of an unpleasant sensation than pain, and its main job is to grab your dog’s attention, not inflict pain.
In other words, it doesn’t zap your dog with actual electric shocks.
The best part about these remote training collars is that they come with a range of stimulation levels, so you can choose a stimulation level your dog understands. Always start with the lowest setting and gauge your dog’s reaction when opting to increase the level.
When used correctly, electric shock collars will not hurt your dog.
Recommended to read: How to Clean & Wash a Dog Collar?
Wrapping Up
No matter which type of dog collar you opt for, remember that to train your dog, you must be responsible and empathetic. If you’re ever unsure about what you’re doing, get the help of a dog trainer to assist you.
So, take your time to understand your collar, your dog’s needs, and your training goals. Be patient, consistent, and gentle, and most importantly, celebrate every small victory along the way.
Happy training!
FAQs
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